Thump!
Two enormous wooden barrel-shaped wine glasses collided, and amber-colored wine spilled along the rim of the glasses.
Harmon tilted his head back, gulped it down in two or three mouthfuls, and let out a satisfied sigh.
Han Xiao smiled and shook his head, then took a sip. The spicy liquor went down his throat, and the alcohol was broken down as soon as it entered his body, so it was no different from water to him.
At this moment, the group was on the ship returning from the Craggy Rock Tribe, Harmon invited Han Xiao and his party to visit his hometown.
Generally speaking, the struggle for chieftainship inevitably involves fighting, but Han Xiao's appearance caused the other candidates to give up in despair, and the chieftainship position fell to Harmon without any suspense. Harmon was overjoyed and held a banquet on the ship.
Since they were all old friends, Han Xiao naturally wouldn't refuse their hospitality.
"Congratulations, the next Chief of the Collapse Rock." The other interstellar tribe chiefs of the Luhan Beastmen Civilization also came up to toast and congratulate Harmon, while glancing at Han Xiao with no small amount of envy.
It's unclear how Harmon got such a good relationship with a Beyond Grade A member. The tribal chief's War Alliance also symbolizes his connections. With a Beyond Grade A friend, many chiefs know that once Harmon takes over, the Craggy Rock Tribe will likely rise to power and have greater influence.
Watching Harmon receive congratulations from his tribesmen, Han Xiao pondered to himself. In his previous life, this storyline was simple and straightforward, involving fighting from beginning to end. Harmon obtained the position of chief through combat. Now, because of his intervention, no fighting had taken place, and he felt that the Dungeon Crystal might not be generated.
However, it didn't matter to Han Xiao. He didn't care about the mission reward. He came to help because of his friendship with Harmon for more than ten years. Harmon had joined when Han Xiao was still in the Black Star Mercenary Group. Han Xiao was never stingy with helping old friends like this. He treated Melos the same way back then.
At the banquet table nearby, Hadavy stuffed a large, charred piece of meat with an orcish flair into his mouth, his eyes glancing at Harmon. He shifted his position closer to Hila and whispered, "Black Star and that orc seem to have a good relationship. Is he always this concerned about his subordinates?"
Hila, frowning as she stared at the sediment at the bottom of the glass that resembled the eyeball of some wild animal, glanced expressionlessly at Hadavy upon hearing this, her indifferent gaze seeming to say, "Stay away from me."
Hadavy, feeling rebuffed, moved closer to Fording and whispered, "Brother Fording, has Black Star always treated his subordinates this well?"
Fording rolled his eyes.
"Get away, I'm Morning Star."
Not far away, a group of players gathered together, scanning the many well-known guards and whispering among themselves.
"I heard Black Star is going to the headquarters of the War Realm this time. Could he be going to cause trouble?"
"I don't know, but Black Star and Tyrant are going to meet again; there's bound to be a good show to watch."
After Harmon's War Alliance missions were completed, Han Xiao used the faction panel to issue new missions to the players who had followed him, instructing them to follow his lead.
Although he hadn't originally planned to take the players to the Tyrant's Gathering, it wasn't appropriate to leave them stranded in the Seoul Star Cluster halfway through. Losing this bunch of "leeks" (players) would be bad, so he simply gave them a rewarding follow-up mission to keep them from wandering off.
There was no Meat Bun in this group, but someone posted on the forum, revealing his whereabouts. Now all the players know that he went to the War Realm Headquarters with Ames. Some people even said that they were on their honeymoon and specifically went to fight the Tyrant. This is really Beyond Grade A.
Since Han Xiao and Ames formed an alliance, a trend of pairing them up has emerged on the forum. People believe that two Beyond Grade A characters are a perfect match, and there must be something fishy going on. Some people have even written a smutty novel about Black Star's rise to power and his subjugation of a strong woman, and it's actually quite popular.
"Lord Black Star..."
As he was drinking, someone suddenly called his name. Han Xiao looked over and saw Halaita standing beside him, looking hesitant to speak.
"What is it?" Han Xiao smiled. After all, he was Harmon's father, so his attitude was much more amiable.
Halaita coughed. "Could we talk in private?"
Han Xiao's heart stirred, he nodded, put down his wine glass, and walked out of the banquet hall with Halaita to an empty corridor on the ship.
"Just say what you have to say."
"Lord Black Star, I wonder what exactly is your relationship with Harmon?" Halaita asked cautiously.
"He joined my ranks more than ten years ago and has been a great help to me. When my home planet suffered a disaster, he contributed a lot. I had already agreed to become his War Alliance before I was even Calamity Grade being, so you can rest assured that I have no other intentions towards you Luhan Beastmen," Han Xiao said with a smile. He understood Halaita's concerns.
After all, it seems suspicious that a Beyond Grade A would specifically help someone compete for the leadership position of a branch of a galaxy-level civilization.
Halaita hesitated, then suddenly gritted his teeth and asked, "Lord Black Star, I have a request... I wonder if the Black Star Army undertakes the business of racial migration?"
Han Xiao blinked, signaling to continue.
"Our Luhan Beastmen originated as a nomadic civilization. Although we have evolved into a galaxy-wide united civilization, each tribe is essentially an independent nation. We have significant differences in the direction of our civilization's development. I hope to persuade the Craggy Rock Tribe to migrate and leave the Seoul Star Cluster."
"Why?" Han Xiao asked curiously.
"The Seoul Star Cluster is the territory of the Krent Empire. They have a very strong desire for control. There are several star system civilizations in this star system, and our Luhan Beastmen civilization is just one of them."
Several other civilizations, more or less, have Krent background. They have joined forces to exclude us and exploit our resources and space, with the aim of forcing us to become Krent's vassals as well. More than a hundred years ago, we had a total of three star sectors of territory, but now we only have one and a half left. The Luhan Beastmen are brave and skilled in battle, and the proportion of superhumans among their people is very high. Krent has always had designs on us.
We, the Craggy Rock Tribe, are independent and want to maintain our autonomy. We are unwilling to become vassals, but most tribes want to compromise with Krent. We, the minority of independent tribes, have no choice but to seek other ways out.
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao stroked his chin thoughtfully. Such things are common in the universe. When a civilization has multiple regimes, such disagreements often arise when it comes to the future direction of the entire race.
This type of political system is actually not suitable for galactic-level civilizations. In Galaxy where various powers coexist, a civilization's decisions must be accountable to the entire population, while a branch regime has its own interests and stances, which can easily lead to conflicts. Unfortunately, due to historical reasons, the Luhan Beastmen were forced into this system, and even if they recognize the problems, it is difficult to reform them, as no tribe is willing to voluntarily relinquish their power.
The Luhan Beastmen civilization was a relatively weak galaxy-level civilization. Each tribe controlled several colony planets, totaling no more than a hundred planetary territories scattered in different places.
A galaxy often has more than ten star sectors. For example, a powerful galaxy-level civilization like Goddora can dominate a galaxy and rule all its star sectors. However, some galaxies have multiple galaxy-level civilizations, each occupying some star sectors and competing with each other for resources. Such galaxy-level civilizations are naturally weaker than others of the same level.
"You want the Craggy Rock Tribe to become independent, leave the United Civilization, and develop on its own as a branch of the Luhan Beastmen in another star cluster?" Han Xiao nodded.
"That's right," Halaita quickly agreed.
"Are you aware of the consequences? If you do this, a large portion of the tribe will choose to stay and will not migrate with you." Han Xiao raised an eyebrow.
"I'll handle this. There are quite a few tribesmen in other tribes who are dissatisfied with Krent," Harlett said in a deep voice.
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao stopped asking questions and slowly said, "Alright, you can contact me anytime once you've made up your mind."
Other people's tribes are their own responsibility; he only needs to collect money and do the work. With the Black Star Army's current capabilities, managing the migration of a tribe is not a difficult task.
In the universe, it is not uncommon for a branch of a civilization to seek independent development, so he was not surprised by it.
Halaita nodded repeatedly. The migration was dangerous and required military protection. He had been hesitant, but seeing the relationship between Harmon and Black Star, he felt that the Black Star Army might be able to realize this idea.
The matter of relocation still needs to be discussed with the next chief, Harmon, but given Harmon's character and experience, he will most likely refuse to become a vassal of Krent, just like him.
The group traveled by ship to the planet of the Craggy Rock Tribe and stayed for three days before Han Xiao bid farewell to Harmon and led the others on their journey to the War Realm.
Harmon has gone back to be the Great Chief, but if the Craggy Rock Tribe really does migrate, there will still be opportunities to interact with them in the future.
Ten days later.
A thin blue streak of light swept across the dark universe, leaping at high speed.
The blue light stopped when Planet Heber came into view, revealing the shape of a spaceship, and slowly flew towards Planet Heber. At this moment, a large number of spaceships were already taking off and landing on Planet Heber.
"It's been over ten years since I last came here." Gazing at the ever-growing Planet Heber, the familiar base complex still in sight, Han Xiao turned to Ames standing beside him. "I came here with you."
"You were much cuter back then than you are now," Ames with a gentle smile.
"Time flies," Han Xiao sighed, instructing Phillip to steer the spaceship to its final landing.
This is the second time I've set foot in the headquarters of the War Realm. More than ten years ago, I was Ames's follower, but today I'm a big shot from the Shattered Star Ring who has officially received an invitation.
The spaceship had already announced its identity and sailed into the port as instructed. After the warship came to a stop, Hila and the other guards led the way and disembarked first, followed by Han Xiao and Ames.
Both were dressed in black. Han Xiao was used to wearing a black overcoat and cloak, while several mechanical floating guards playfully swam around them.
As always, Ames wore a high-slit black dress, the hem of which trailed on the ground like a blooming black flower, highlighting her long, shapely legs and making her appear tall and elegant.
"Lord Black Star, Dragon Emperor Throne."
Captain Fosters, the Vanguard Officers, waited at the dock, greeted the two men, and gave them a curt greeting.
"Hey, isn't this your old rival?" Han Xiao chuckled, then grinned, "I still remember you threatening to kill me during the war. Why aren't you so arrogant now?"
Fosters gritted his teeth and glared at Han Xiao, but dared not respond. The fact that the Tyrant had invited Black Star and the others clearly indicated a desire for reconciliation, and these War Realm cadres were actually resentful.
However, these were Heber's orders, and they could not disobey them, so they could only swallow their anger.
"Please, follow, me!" Fosters squeezed out each word through clenched teeth, turned around and led the way, determined not to respond to Han Xiao.
Seeing this, Han Xiao stopped teasing him and walked alongside Ames, following Fosters straight to the guest room castle.
He had attended a Tyrant's Gathering before and knew the process. He would probably stay in the guest room castle for a few days, exchanging ideas with representatives of other forces and expanding his network, while waiting for all the guests to arrive before the meeting would begin.
The players following behind him looked on with curiosity, glancing left and right. It was their first time visiting the headquarters of the War Realm, and they found it quite novel. They were secretly curious about Han Xiao and the others' intentions— the Tyrant's Gathering was an event for the high-level circle, and the players were completely unaware of it.
The journey was uneventful, and they arrived safely at the castle's guest rooms. Inside, there were already many representatives from various major powers. Upon seeing Han Xiao and Ames, they couldn't help but show surprise, creating a subtle atmosphere.
Many people looked eager to try, seemingly wanting to rush up immediately to show off their butts and have some fun.
Han Xiao, who has mastered the Evolution Cube, is now a highly sought-after figure by various factions, a veritable magnet for connections, with everyone wanting to get close to him.
"Does the Tyrant not intend to see us now?" Han Xiao asked with amusement, not immediately going inside.
"I don't know, don't ask me." Fosters' face turned ashen.
He turned to leave, but suddenly stopped, looked at Hadavy who was lost in thought, and said in an unfriendly tone, "You're a member of the Black Star Army now?"
"Hmm?" Hadavy snapped out of his reverie and nodded. "Yeah, I'm a guard officer on Black Star now, the pay's pretty good. Want to come join us?"
Upon hearing this, Fosters felt mocked and his anger flared.
Hadavy had previously collaborated with the War Realm, but the partnership ended because Jorde exploited him. Afterward, he turned to Han Xiao, whom he treated like a father.
But in Fosters's eyes, this behavior had a "turning to the light" feel to it. Already harboring resentment, he was now even more furious and wanted to vent it. With a cold and stern expression, he shouted, "As the Vanguard Officers of the War Realm, I challenge the Black Star Army's guard officer. Who dares to fight me?"
Upon hearing this, Han Xiao and Ames's expressions suddenly became strange. They looked at each other and saw a tacit understanding in each other's eyes, as if they were communicating with each other through their gazes.
Han Xiao: Haven't we seen this scene before?
Ames: Isn't this exactly the scene where you challenged that traitor Kailo?
Han Xiao smiled helplessly.
He used to teach the traitor Dragon Calm a lesson for Ames, but now he's a disgruntled officer in the War Realm, wanting to challenge his guards and deflate his ego. How the tables have turned!
Fosters was a staunch supporter of the Tyrant. While it wouldn't be as extreme as a subject dying for his master, Heber's attempt to establish authority had failed, and Fosters was looking to get revenge. So he set his sights on Han Xiao's subordinates. Although Han Xiao was an invited guest, the relationship between the two was so delicate that he was unwilling to appease an enemy who had slaughtered hundreds of high-level combatants in the War Realm.
A fair and square challenge is something even Beyond Grade A wouldn't be able to protect, especially since the War Realm didn't stop Han Xiao from challenging Kailo more than a decade ago.
His voice was like a thunderclap, immediately piquing the interest of the representatives from various factions in the hall.
Hila narrowed her eyes, stepped forward, and said calmly, "Enough with the nonsense, where are we fighting?"
"Who are you?"
"Captain of the Guards under the Black Star, Hila!"
A murderous glint flashed in Fosters's eyes, and he was about to speak when a shadow suddenly loomed over his head, followed by a deep, resonant voice from behind him.
"Return."
Everyone looked up and their expressions changed; the newcomer was none other than the Tyrant Heber.
Upon hearing Heber stop his challenge, Fosters's face darkened, and he turned and left, quickly disappearing from sight.
Seeing this, Hila also restrained her sharpness and took a few steps back.
Han Xiao narrowed his eyes, looking up at the mountain-like Heber, Heber also looked down at him, expressionless.
The atmosphere around them seemed to become heavy, and everyone in the hall except for Ames found it difficult to breathe.
The atmosphere grew increasingly tense, but just then, Heber suddenly spoke, breaking the tension.
"Black Star, Dragon Emperor, come with me. The five of us Beyond Grade A have a good chat."
Having said that, he turned and strode into his palace.
It seems that how the two families should get along in the future needs to be discussed and a result needs to be reached this time... Han Xiao's eyes flashed, and without hesitation, he instructed Hila and the others to stay in the guest room to rest, while he followed Heber into the palace.
"All five people are here?"
Ames smiled faintly, and followed them into the palace.